A frosty winter morning feels warmer when you have a squishy, handmade figure sitting on your mantelpiece or hanging from the branches of your tree. These snowman designs feature a dense stitch count that gives each character a sturdy shape and a soft, plush texture. Whether you are a brand new maker learning how to join rounds or someone wanting a quick project for holiday market stalls, these characters provide a relaxing way to spend a cold afternoon. You will master basic shaping techniques and simple embroidery to give each piece its own personality.

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Why You’ll Love This Pattern

This beginner-friendly crochet coaster pattern provides a quick and satisfying project that utilizes basic stitches to create a functional home accessory. You can complete a full set in a single afternoon, making these an ideal choice for last-minute gifts or stash-busting. The design works perfectly with cotton yarn, ensuring the coasters are absorbent and durable enough to protect your wooden furniture from condensation. Because the pattern relies on a simple circular increase method, it is easy to memorize after just one round.

I managed to whip up a set of four in an evening. They are perfect for using up those small cotton yarn remnants I had sitting in my basket for months.

— Sarah, hobbyist crocheter

Pattern Overview & Skill Level

Skill Level: Beginner
Approximate Time: 30 minutes per coaster
Construction: Worked in continuous rounds starting from a magic ring
Finished Dimensions: Approximately 4 inches in diameter

Materials & Supplies Needed

Yarn: Worsted weight (#4) 100% cotton yarn, approximately 15 yards per coaster. Cotton is necessary for heat resistance and absorbency.
Hook Size: 5.0 mm (H-8) crochet hook.
Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a locking stitch marker to keep track of the first stitch of each round, and a pair of scissors.
Safe yarn substitutions: You may use an acrylic/cotton blend, though pure cotton is superior for liquid absorption. Using a lighter weight yarn will result in a smaller coaster; using a bulkier yarn will increase the size.

Stitch Guide & Abbreviations (US Terms)

MR: Magic ring
ch: Chain
st/sts: Stitch/stitches
sc: Single crochet
inc: Increase (work 2 sc into the same stitch)
sl st: Slip stitch

Step-by-Step Pattern Instructions

Coaster Body

Rnd 1: Start with a MR, work 6 sc into the ring. Place a stitch marker in the first sc and move it up each round (6 sts).
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc in each st around (12 sts).
Rnd 3: 1 sc in next st, inc in next st repeat from * to * 6 times (18 sts).
Rnd 4: 1 sc in next 2 sts, inc in next st repeat from * to * 6 times (24 sts).
Rnd 5: 1 sc in next 3 sts, inc in next st repeat from * to * 6 times (30 sts).
Rnd 6: 1 sc in next 4 sts, inc in next st repeat from * to * 6 times (36 sts).

Finishing

Once you finish Round 6, join with a sl st to the first stitch of the round to create a flat edge. Fasten off your yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail. Use a tapestry needle to weave the tail through the back loops of the final round to secure it, then trim any excess yarn close to the fabric. Repeat this process for the starting yarn tail at the center of the magic ring to ensure the coaster remains secure during use.

Care & Washing Instructions

Machine wash on a delicate cycle in cool water to prevent shrinking.
Lay the coaster flat on a towel to air dry, reshaping it with your hands while damp.
Do not iron or bleach, as this may degrade the cotton fibers and damage the stitch structure.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid

Maintain consistent tension throughout the project to ensure the coaster stays flat rather than cupping or rippling. If the edges begin to curl upwards, your stitches are likely too tight; try loosening your tension or switching to a slightly larger hook size. Always use a stitch marker at the start of each round, as it is easy to lose count when working in a continuous spiral. If you wish to make the coaster larger, simply add more increase rounds, following the same math of adding 6 stitches per round, keeping in mind that you will need more than 15 yards of yarn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use acrylic yarn for these coasters?

While you can use acrylic, it is not recommended for coasters because acrylic is synthetic and can melt if a very hot mug is placed on it. Additionally, it does not absorb moisture like cotton.

How do I adjust the size of the coaster?

To make a larger coaster, continue the pattern of increasing by 6 stitches every round. For example, Round 7 would be 1 sc in next 5 sts, inc in next st repeat 6 times for 42 total stitches.

Is this pattern suitable for someone who has never crocheted before?

Yes, this is an excellent first project because it focuses on the single crochet stitch and the basic concept of increasing in the round, which are foundational skills for many other projects.

Am I allowed to sell coasters made from this pattern?

You are welcome to sell finished items made from this design. Please credit the pattern origin whenever possible, but do not sell or redistribute the written instructions themselves.

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Your finished set of ornaments creates a cheerful winter scene that brings holiday spirit into any room of your home. Try working these in a fuzzy eyelash yarn for a snow-like texture or adjust the hook size to make them larger for a stuffed toy version. Please share a photo of your work on your social media channels to inspire other makers in the community. You can find more free patterns and seasonal project ideas by browsing through the archives on my blog whenever you need a new yarn project.